What small 17' sail boat to buy!

[Zagato]

Thanks for that Neil the Whammel is a lovely boat There is a 2003 example for sale for £6950 at the moment - I will look again at them.

I have been looking at Drascombe Longboats and Coasters this afternoon as they are 22' BUT I am struggling with the looks of the Coaster

If only Character Boats or somebody would make a classic style boat 20 ish feet long. I can find plenty of wood hull classics this length

EDIT - looking into Falmouth Bass Boats I've discovered 20' version was made!

 

[Seajet]

Zagato,

trying to PM you but it says your inbox is full...

SJ

 

[Zagato]

Will delete them

 

[Penton Hooker]

Zagato, what should you buy? You mention Drascombes a number of times. Practical, well proven boats, safe and satisfying, definitely not for whizz kids though. Good on rivers, good at sea, nothing startling performance wise, but very satisfying to sail. I've had one now for over thirty years, have never ever felt the slightest need to change her for another boat. Brilliant family boat but now my kids have migrated my wife and I sail her, a Long-Boat, as a comfortable day-boat in the summer and I use her at sea during the winter for fishing. There is something about a Drascombe, no other brand has it. Great owners club to join too.

 

[Zagato]

Quick update, I have decided to go for a Drascombe Lugger, they are such a popular seaworthy boat with many circumnavigations under it's belt, attractive looks and price, 2000+ made keeping 2.5 businesses in production in the UK. BIG enthusiasts scene, many uk rallies, active forum etc etc and it's a decent size 18' 9" plus the bumpkin

Many thanks for your help folks, I've learnt a lot about all the other similar boats you have suggested

 

[ProDave]

A Drascombe Lugger was the first boat we sailed on our own (hired for an afternoon)

While it's a pretty boat, it just wouldn't do for me as I like a cabin. And they do seem to command a high price, I wouldn't have been able to buy one for the price we paid for our little Frolic.

But I hope you find one and have fun in her.

 

[Zagato]

Thanks PD, I might end up with Drascombe Cruiser/Longboat, the cabin gives you something to sit up against when you just want to crash out on your boat - just struggling with the looks at the moment

 

[FairweatherDave]

Quirky boats Luggers

Hi Zagato. I too have owned a Drascombe Lugger.........+ 4 kids in Chichester harbour. I am no great sailor but I did find it frustrating to sail upwind and slow, but certainly full of character. And for messing about within the harbour you can squeeze 8 people in but you'll probably be motoring. The rudder logistics are a bit bizarreand heavy and well worth understanding before you purchase (see their forum). A kick up rudder has a virtue, but when kicked up you then cannot withdraw it fully into the body of the boat without returning to deeper water. This drives some people to chose a Dabber with the transom mounted rudder. And get a decent trailer if you are trailer sailing, they are quite heavy (although fine). Finally the mizzen mast and access to the outboard controls can be a bit awkward. These are all issues you can deal with and they are lovely character boats good for being out on sunny days to East Head. Reckon a Drascombe (again could be exactly right for for getting your family confidence back. PM me if you want more detail and I can refer you to specific posts on the forum Dave

 

[Penton Hooker]

Zagato, whether Long Boat or Lugger may I suggest that you fit booms to both mizzen and main, so much better sailing. Nothing dreary about a Drascombe when fitted with booms. Planing a Longboat thus fitted is quite possible, albeit a tad hairy through the trots. Enjoy your eventual choice.